Samar A. Nasser, an associate professor in the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences’ Physician Assistant Program, presented at the 48th annual convention of the National Arab American Medical Association in Houston. Her lecture examined how the 2024 federal recognition of Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) as a reporting category could help improve understanding of diabetes and cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health risks.
Nasser discussed how voluntary, accurate data collection can help health systems identify gaps in screening, treatment and research participation. She also emphasized community partnerships, culturally responsive care and clearer referral pathways to strengthen prevention and early diagnosis.